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Rotel RB1080 vs Odyssey Stratos vs McCormack DNA

I recently purchased a used Rotel RB-1080, but I am not satisfy with it. It has a click sound occasionally due to expansion/contraction because I put it in a tight cabinet, although it doesn't affect my listening, but it bothers me. I am planning to get another amp around $800. I did some research and found 2 candidates - Odyssey Stratos and McCormack DNA-1. It seems both of them are in a different class. However, they also seems to be a lot older, the Rotel I have is 2 yrs old, while I found a 9 yrs old Odyssey for $800, and I believe the McCormack is even older. I believe the capacitors degrade over time, should I keep the newer Rotel, or go for the older Odyssey or McCormack? Which one would you pick?
gte357s
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I'd be patient and wait for a DNA-1 with SMc Audio upgrades to appear in the classifieds.

Or, depending on your budget, I'd buy a used DNA-1 and send it to Steve McCormack for an upgrade package.
gte357s OP
105 posts
 
Yes, good point, I need to check the dimensions. But I also read the Odyssey is supposed to be on 24/7, right? I think people said it is not hot, but does it has a standby mode? Does it consume electricity while it is on "standby"? I am afraid to see additional $30 on my bill even I am not listening.

For the DNA-1, if I send it for upgrade, it seems it will be out of my budget. Plus, it seems it is a much older model ... I am worry of seeing minor problems like popping or clicking noise .. it seems I am a perfectionist.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I am worry of seeing minor problems like popping or clicking noise...
Gte357s (Threads | Answers)
You are not going to experience popping or clicking.

Nevertheless, if you will be more at ease with a newer amplifier, then buy an Odyssey or Rotel.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
2,766 posts
 
You can buy a new Odyssey Khartago 110wpc amp for 895.00 NEW direct from Odyssey Audio. I just took delivery of a new Stratos Extreme with both the K board upgrade and cable upgrade this past Thursday. This amp replaced a 2,999.00 Classe Audio amp and even though the amp is still breaking in, it is miles ahead of the Classe. All Odyssey amps have a 20 year warranty as well. I think its a no brainer. BTW, Absolute Sound gave the Khartago amp an excellent review and named it budget product of the year.
bdgregory
1,580 posts
 
I run amps older than the DNA1s and have zero issues with them. If you're hearing popping and clicking noises I doubt it's from your amp.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned here related to your cabinet situation is ventilation. If it's as tight as you say, I'd be worried about cooling with many amps (and I think the DNA needs ventilation).

Another option is a new class D or hybrid amp. I have a PS Audio HCA-2 that sounds great. They can be found used in the $600 +/- range. They are recent production and run very cool, and consume little energy at idle. The also aren't terribly big.
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